Medulla Poetarum Romanorum Or, the Most Beautiful and Instructive Passages of the Roman Poets. Being a Collection, (Disposed under proper Heads,) Of such Descriptions, Allusions, Comparisons, Characters, and Sentiments, as may best serve to shew the Religion, Learning, Politicks, Arts, Customs, Opinions, Manners, and Circumstances of the Antients. With Translations of the same in English Verse. By Mr. Henry Baker |
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Marriage.
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 | Medulla Poetarum Romanorum |  |
Marriage.
See Wedding.
Her Father seal'd my Hopes with Rites divine:
Her firmer Love before had made her mine.
Men call'd me blest, and blest I was indeed.—
What pleasing Images Remembrance draws
Of those fair Days, when new to Hymen's Laws,
I with my Procris led the Spring of Life,
The happiest Husband and the happiest Wife!
So high the Tide of our Affection run,
Our Love, our Care, our Passions all were one.
Had Jove made Love, great Jove she had despis'd,
And I my Procris more than Venus priz'd:
Love had to both so just a Portion dealt,
Such equal Flames our mutual Bosoms felt.—
Her firmer Love before had made her mine.
Men call'd me blest, and blest I was indeed.—
What pleasing Images Remembrance draws
Of those fair Days, when new to Hymen's Laws,
I with my Procris led the Spring of Life,
The happiest Husband and the happiest Wife!
85
Our Love, our Care, our Passions all were one.
Had Jove made Love, great Jove she had despis'd,
And I my Procris more than Venus priz'd:
Love had to both so just a Portion dealt,
Such equal Flames our mutual Bosoms felt.—
—Within this humble Cot
Old Baucis and Philemon led their Life:
Both equal-ag'd:—In this their Youth they spent,
In this grew old: rich only in Content.
With chearful Minds their Poverty they bore,
Nor aim'd at Wealth, professing to be poor.
For Master, or for Servant, here to call,
Was all alike, where only two were All.
Command was none, where equal Love was paid:
Or rather, both commanded, both obey'd.—
Old Baucis and Philemon led their Life:
Both equal-ag'd:—In this their Youth they spent,
In this grew old: rich only in Content.
With chearful Minds their Poverty they bore,
Nor aim'd at Wealth, professing to be poor.
For Master, or for Servant, here to call,
Was all alike, where only two were All.
Command was none, where equal Love was paid:
Or rather, both commanded, both obey'd.—
Thrice happy They, who long as Life,
Without Complainings, Noise, or Strife,
Preserve unloos'd the nuptial Tye,
Nor cease to Love until they die.—
Without Complainings, Noise, or Strife,
Preserve unloos'd the nuptial Tye,
Nor cease to Love until they die.—
Oh! how I wish that Love, with flutt'ring Wing,
The golden Marriage Chains would hither bring!
Chains which for ever bind, tho' Age comes on,
With Wrinkles, and grey Hairs, and Beauty's Charms be gone.—
The golden Marriage Chains would hither bring!
Chains which for ever bind, tho' Age comes on,
With Wrinkles, and grey Hairs, and Beauty's Charms be gone.—
Perpetual Concord bless their nuptial State,
And Love and Union make their Joys compleat!
May She love him in Age, and He behold
Her, tho' in Years, yet not believe her old!—
And Love and Union make their Joys compleat!
May She love him in Age, and He behold
Her, tho' in Years, yet not believe her old!—
| Medulla Poetarum Romanorum | |